Agricultural Sector Representatives Call On Government To Cut VAT On Meat To 5%
Employers in the agricultural sector are calling on the government to lower the value added tax (VAT) on meat and meat products to 5%, from the current 24%, arguing this will help crack down on tax evasion in the sector, which is estimated at over EUR450 million.
They said Romania’s average wage of EUR395 is six times lower than that in the UK. Thus, A Romanian pays EUR4.11 for one kilogram of poultry meat, compared to EUR3.80 paid by a Polish, because Poland’s sales tax on meat is only 5%, compared to 24% in Romania. (Curentul)
Big Energy Consumers To Pay 15-60% Of Green Certificates Quota
The big electric power consumers will only pay 15-60% of the green certificates quota, in a state aid scheme meant to prevent the companies from losing their competitiveness due to the support granted to renewable energy.
The support scheme will be available for 10 years and will come into force after approval from the European Commission. (Adevarul)
Romanian President Calls On Russia To Contribute To Region Stability
Romanian President Traian Basescu called on the Russian Federation, referring to the latest statements of Russian President Vladimir Putin, to observe the commitments with the international institutions and contribute to the stabilization of the situation in the region.
Basescu added that Romania is ready to offer support in finding proper solutions to the Republic of Moldova’s request to ensure the free movement of goods, persons and services according to the law and the EU legislation, for citizens and companies in the Transdniester region. (Adevarul)
PSD To Announce Candidate For President After EP Elections
PSD president Victor Ponta said the party would officially announce its candidate for presidential elections after the elections for European Parliament, taking place on May 25.
”It depends on the restoring of USL alliance or not,” Ponta said, avoiding to specify whether he would run or not for president.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta has been lately avoiding a clear answer when asked whether he would run for president or not. (Gandul)
New Medicines For Rare Diseases, Compensated As Of May
The Romanian Health Ministry will supplement the list of compensated medical drugs for the first time in six years, adding several medicines for rare diseases.
As of May, 17 medicines without therapeutic equivalent, for patients suffering from a rare form of disease such as cancer, epilepsy, endocrine disorders, leukemia and degenerative nerve diseases, will be compensated. The costs for the 17 medical drugs will be supported by the National Social Health Insurance Fund. (Curentul)